New Grocery Store and Restaurant Planned for former Riverwest Dollar General
milwaukee, WI – September 3, 2025 – A new business, Metro Food and Pantry, is slated to occupy the space formerly held by the Dollar General store in Milwaukee’s Riverwest neighborhood, which closed earlier this year following a history of neighborhood complaints and a temporary license suspension.The planned tenant will feature a grocery store component and a swift-service restaurant, according to a license application filed wiht the city.
The 8,729-square-foot building,located between residential buildings and across from Gordon Park,is currently owned by DG6 Milwaukee 4 Guys,LLC. The Dollar General store had operated at the location for a decade,but faced frequent concerns from neighbors regarding littering and compliance with its operating plan,leading to a nearly three-week license suspension in 2023. The store was also the site of an armed robbery in 2015 that resulted in a police officer-involved shooting. Dollar General also closed a Southside Milwaukee location last spring, but maintains four stores citywide.
Under plans submitted by owner Al Saher, an Ohio resident with prior retail experience, the western half of the building will house a grocery store offering non-perishable items, cheese, eggs, and ice cream. the application did not specify whether the store will carry fresh produce or meat. Metro Food and Pantry also intends to sell cigarettes, tobacco, and vape products.
The remaining space will be dedicated to a quick-service restaurant, featuring a coffee counter and dine-in area. Sign permits indicate the eatery will offer pizza and fried chicken,though a detailed menu was not included in the license application.
Interior construction, including a kitchen build-out, is estimated at $120,000 and will be handled by Oak Creek-based ETn Engineering. Al Saher has not yet responded to requests for comment.
The closure of the Riverwest Dollar General follows the recent closure of the Riverwest Co-op & Cafe, which announced plans to declare bankruptcy after years of financial struggles.
